Do you need urgent assistance?
If you are currently experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Melbourne's west, please call our team on the following numbers, between 9 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
Seddon office
Phone: 03 9689 2777
Werribee office
Phone: 03 9216 0300
Alternatively complete a brief needs assesment via our online portal Click here to complete the IAP Application Form.
If you need assistance outside of these hours or of this area, please call the Victorian Statewide Homelessness Line on 1800 825 955 (free call, open 24/7) to be connected with an access point in your area.
Women experiencing family violence can call 24/7 and speak confidentially to another woman for information on family violence support services, legal rights and accommodation options, can call Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 (free call, open 24/7).
If you have been threatened or you are fearful for yourself, a child or a family member – call 000.
Initial Assessment and Planning (IAP) Service
Unison’s Initial Assessment and Planning (IAP) service is funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) to deliver services to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the areas of Moonee Valley, Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay, Wyndham, and the north and the western areas of the City of Melbourne.
The IAP service provides assessment, referral, advocacy and financial assistance to help people access:
- Crisis and transitional housing
- Support services
- Private rental
- Public housing
- Community housing.
How can I get assistance from the IAP service?
If you are currently experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Melbourne's West, please call our team on the following numbers, between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
Seddon office
Phone: 03 9689 2777
Werribee office
Phone: 03 9216 0300
Alternatively complete a brief needs assessment via our online portal Click here to complete the IAP Application Form
We recommend you contact the IAP service in the area you are living. All efforts will be made to provide assistance even if you are from outside these areas.
If you don't live in any of these areas, we recommend you contact the IAP service in the area you are living on 1800 825 955 (24/7).
Click here for more information about our IAP service.
Transitional Housing
Transitional housing is a supported short-term housing program. It acts as a stepping stone to more permanent housing in public housing, community housing or private rental. The aim of the program is to provide short-term accommodation with support to assist people to prepare for long-term housing as soon as possible.
Transitional housing is temporary and tenants must actively work with their support worker to secure long term housing.
The housing is provided by the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) and managed by Unison, in partnership with a wide range of support agencies.
Eligibility and how to apply
Transitional housing is for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. You must be at least 16 years of age, and on a low income to access transitional housing.
Income limits are set by DHHS and can be viewed here.
This program is accessed through Initial Assessment and Planning (IAP) entry points. Eligibility and prioritisation is based on an assessment of needs and available resourcing.
If you have any questions regarding accessing transitional housing, eligibility, or nominating agencies and support, please call our team:
Seddon office
Phone: 03 9689 2777
Werribee office
Phone: 03 9216 0300
You can also call the Victorian Statewide Homelessness Line on 1800 825 955 (free call, open 24/7).
Financial assistance with the Housing Establishment Funds (HEF)
The Initial Assessment and Planning (IAP) Service has limited Housing Establishment Funds (HEF) to assist people on low incomes to establish or secure accommodation. HEF assistance is subject to an eligibility assessment and is generally provided as a once-off grant.
Eligibility and how to apply
This program is accessed through the IAP entry point. Eligibility and prioritisation is based on an assessment of needs and available resourcing.
If you have any questions regarding accessing HEF assistance, please call 1800 825 955.